High Tides & Low Vibes

Royalton Cancun Unfiltered

Cancun, Mexico

Stunning Aerial View of the Main Pool at Royalton Riviera Cancun

When it comes to luxury resorts, the Royalton Riviera Cancun promised everything I was looking for—a relaxing beach escape with plenty of amenities, pristine beach access, a cornucopia of food options, and top-notch service. However, like many travel experiences, this trip had its high waves of enjoyment and a few low ebbs of disappointment. After spending four days and three nights at this beachfront resort, I’m sharing the unfiltered high and lows, ebbs and flows of my stay. So, come ride this wave with me—it was an interesting one.

Booking Your Transportation Early

One of the first lessons I learned on this trip? Always book your transportation ahead of time. I typically handle this part of my travel arrangements well in advance, but for some reason, I let it slip this time. The result? A steep $89 for a 20-minute ride from the airport to the resort. If you’re planning a stay at the Royalton Riviera Cancun, take my advice: don’t skip this step. You’ll save time, money, and a lot of frustration.

The Check-In Process: Patience is a Virtue

Upon checking in, I decided to upgrade my reservation to the Diamond Club, a premium upgrade that offers exclusive amenities, including a private lounge, dedicated butler service, upgraded room locations, an exclusive pool and beach area, and priority reservations at restaurants. I was anticipating a seamless, VIP-level experience, but my check-in was anything but smooth. After arriving early and being told to come back in an hour to receive my Diamond Club wristband, I ended up waiting well beyond that time, and after waiting some more, Spoiler Alert: no butler service. While not the worst thing in the world, it was certainly a disappointing start to my stay.

Breathtaking Sunrise over the Hideaway, Showcasing the Serene Beauty of the Beachfront

Exploring the Resort: A Mixed Bag of Offering

The resort had a range of shops and amenities, including jewelry stores, souvenir stands, sport and swim-up bars, and a coffee/ice cream spot for a sweet treat. It also had a casino—an unexpected addition that might appeal to those looking for a little excitement. The activities and nightlife were definitely a highlight of my stay, as there seemed to be something going on all the time. So much so that there were some nights I was awakened by the sounds of live music echoing off the buildings and party strobe lights galore.

The Room: High Hopes, Low Reality

As someone who has stayed at other Royalton properties, I went into this trip with high expectations for my room. I anticipated a modern, sleek space with all the necessary amenities to make my stay as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, my room didn’t quite match the standard I was used to. While spacious and clean, the decor was outdated and in need of an upgrade. And then, of course, there was the unwelcome surprise of a creepy crawly in the room.

A Silver Lining: The Diamond Club Bar

Despite my challenges with the room and check-in, there was one significant perk that stood out—the exclusive Diamond Club bar. As an amaretto sour connoisseur, I was delighted to discover that they served Disaronno, which is my go-to cocktail ingredient. This bar quickly became a highlight of my stay, offering an escape from the frustration of the earlier part of my trip. If you’re someone who enjoys a great cocktail in a more intimate, exclusive setting, this bar is definitely worth checking out.

Choosing the Right Section for Your Stay

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation, a romantic escape, or a VIP-like experience, the resort’s various areas offer plenty of options for the perfect getaway. The Royalton Riviera Cancun is a place where you can tailor your experience based on your preferences as each section of the resort has its own charm, and there’s definitely something for everyone

The main resort area is family-friendly, featuring a lively atmosphere, multiple pools, and a water park for kids. The Diamond Club offers an upgraded experience with private beach and pool access, premium drinks, and concierge service, while the Hideaway section is an adults-only escape with a more tranquil vibe, exclusive dining, and its own secluded pool area. I like to be in the mix, with a splash of seclusion, so the Diamond Club was perfect for me.

Beware of the Crocodiles

One of the most unexpected parts of my stay at the Royalton Riviera Cancun was the Beware of the Crocodile signs. While I packed a good book, headphones, and sunscreen, this was something I hadn’t prepared for. While I had envisioned peaceful walks by the beach, I didn’t expect other guests to tell me there were crocodile sightings during my stay. Not only were there unexpected visitors, but the water was dark and murky, unlike the crystal clear hues I had dreamt of in my head. As much as I enjoy laying out and being kissed by the sun on the beach, I didn’t want to risk it all, so back to my room and the swim-out pool I went.

Golden Sunrise Casts a Warm Glow Over the Resort and Nearby Beach

The Spa: A True Oasis

As someone who doesn’t pass up an opportunity for a spa treatment, I can confidently say that the spa exceeded my expectations. The treatments were top-notch, and the atmosphere was one of complete tranquility. The spa was a true oasis—an ideal spot for those who want to unwind and relax. Additionally, there’s a beauty salon and bridal suites, which makes this the perfect location for anyone looking to tie the knot in paradise. While it’s a bit of a splurge for some, it’s worth every penny. This is especially true if you can negotiate a deal with one of the staff members outside the spa looking to create a custom reservation just for you.

Survey Says: Would I Stay Again?

As I reflect on my time at the Royalton Riviera Cancun, I can’t help but think of the highs and lows that made up the trip. The Diamond Club bar, the expansive resort layout, and the spa were definite highlights. However, the slow check-in, lack of concierge service, and disappointing room conditions left a lot to be desired. While I’m not ruling out staying at another Royalton property in the future, I’m not sure I’d return to this specific location unless significant improvements are made.

Travel, like life, has its ebbs and flows. While this trip wasn’t perfect, it was still an experience full of lessons and memories. The Royalton Riviera Cancun might work for some, but for me, it was a mixed bag. If you’re considering a stay here, just remember to expect the unexpected—.

Have you ever experienced unexpected surprises during your travels? Share your stories in the comments!